Treatment preference for once-weekly versus once-daily DPP-4 inhibitors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Xingxing Xie, Yu Chen, Pei Wang et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials compared once-weekly with once-daily DPP-4 inhibitors in people with type 2 diabetes. Eight trials involving 1,575 participants showed no significant differences in medication adherence, treatment satisfaction, or treatment burden. Once-weekly dosing was associated with a modestly greater reduction in HbA1c (MD = -0.21, 95% CI [-0.42, -0.01], p < 0.05), while fasting plasma glucose and glycated albumin did not differ significantly. Musculoskeletal/connective tissue disorders were more frequent with once-weekly treatment (RR = 2.63; 95% CI [1.18, 5.83]); other adverse events showed no significant differences.
Key findings
- Across 8 RCTs and 1,575 participants, adherence, DTSQ total score, and treatment burden did not differ significantly between dosing schedules.
- HbA1c was lower with once-weekly dosing (MD = -0.21, 95% CI [-0.42, -0.01], p < 0.05); GA and FPG showed no significant differences.
- Musculoskeletal/connective tissue disorder risk was higher with once-weekly treatment (RR = 2.63; 95% CI [1.18, 5.83]); other adverse events did not differ significantly.
Why it matters
The findings suggest that less frequent DPP-4 inhibitor dosing does not necessarily translate into better adherence, treatment satisfaction, or lower treatment burden. The HbA1c result and musculoskeletal safety signal may inform discussions of dosing options, but the overall evidence does not establish a broad preference advantage for either schedule.
What to keep in mind
The review included only 8 RCTs, and the abstract does not report follow-up duration or further details on trial quality.